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Summary

Rondo's flaws are well-documented at this point - his reluctance to shoot allows defenses to help off him, he takes too many gambles on defense that end up in easy layups for his opponents, and when he isn't gambling on defense he's being too nonchalant and allowing easy baskets that way too. So it's no surprise that Rondo only got a two-year minimum contract from the Lakers last summer. However, the legend of Playoff Rondo lives on, as Rondo was a key player for the Lakers on both ends of the floor in the postseason. His passing provided the Lakers with another playmaking option outside of Lebron, he hit shots at a decent rate, and was a solid defender. Rondo was able to get a player option for the second year, so I expect Rondo to decline that option, even if he ultimately ends up re-signing for the minimum as a free agent this offseason.

 

There are several teams that could really use a backup point guard (Phoenix, Atlanta), but Rondo is not exactly the type of player that fits on every team, as he has had some riffs in recent years with a few organizations. However, due to his ability to still contribute when the games become most important, he will have some interest as a free agent.

Cap Considerations

Rondo has a $2.7 million player option for next season, and if he declines that option he will be an unrestricted free agent with a $1.6 million cap hold and Early-Bird Rights. If Rondo opts for free agency, the Lakers will be somewhat limited in their means of re-signing him. Using their Early Bird rights, the Lakers will be limited to paying him a starting salary of 105% of the average salary this past season (roughly $10 million), which will be more than enough. However, if the Lakers use Early Bird rights to re-sign Rondo, he cannot sign a one-year deal. This would include a two-year deal with a player option, but a two-year deal with the second year non-guaranteed would be allowed. The Lakers could alternatively renounce Rondo to a Non-Bird free agent, and re-sign him to a one-year deal using Non-Bird rights. However, they would be limited to 120% of his his minimum salary, so $3.2 million, which may not be enough to retain him

 

Other teams will have multiple ways to sign Rondo as even teams without cap space could possibly use any of the Non-Taxpayer, Taxpayer, or Room Mid-Level Exceptions to sign him. He could also potentially be had at the minimum salary.

Potential Teams: Lakers, Clippers, Suns, Warriors, Timberwolves

Predicted Contract: 2-year, $10 million with the Lakers (2nd year non-guaranteed)

Actual Contract: 2-year, $15 million with the Hawks

Rondo turned his playoff performance into a nice contract with Atlanta.

Last updated: 12/31/2020

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